Upon the conclusion of the 4-week study abroad program in Rome, students from Temple University Beasley School of Law, as well as other participant students from partnering law schools, reflected on their personal, professional, and academic experiences in Rome.
Among the major benefits of the program, students attested to the professional advantages gained by enrolling in international law courses, arriving at Temple’s Rome campus each morning for class lectures, and living in the “Eternal City.” Emphasizing the value of networking with professors and guest lecturers, Alison Maser (a 2L Temple student) mentioned, “I feel like I have gained invaluable mentors through this experience.” Mariah McGuirk from Albany Law School articulated the intrinsic benefits of studying law abroad, as she experienced advantages inside and outside the classroom: “regardless of what the content is in the classes that we take, the skills we are developing and learning will help us through the rest of our educational career as well as our professional careers.”
During the summer term, students engaged with guest lecturers, completed written assignments, delivered oral presentations, and participated in class discussions. Max Liu, a Vermont Law School student, expressed his appreciation for this program because of the professional “edge” he gained in preparation for his summer job: “I feel that I’m now more qualified to do my summer internship.”
In addition to facilitating students’ development as young, aspiring legal professionals, Temple Law’s Rome program boasts supplemental benefits. By engaging in comparative law courses—classes that are not often offered in the American law school curricula—students gleaned unique insight in recognizing the similarities and differences between American and Italian law. Alison Maser captured this perspective, conveying that “listening to speakers who are at the forefront of the legal field in Italy has provided insight into the differences between U.S. and Italian law, but also the many ways in which they’re interconnected.”
The students divulged that their educational experiences went beyond mere acquisition of legal knowledge; many learned to appreciate diversity both inside the classroom—engaging with students from different law schools—and outside the confines of campus while exploring the streets of Rome. Keenan Carlin, a Duquesne University law student, shed light on his adaptation to the new social and cultural environment; “The biggest benefit of the program is learning how to deal with people from different backgrounds and all parts of the world. Our different experiences give us different insights and ideas on how to handle different situations, which is something I will take with me for life, as it is extremely important to be able to listen and take in opinions and ideas that are different from my own.” Chelsea Smith (a 2L Temple student) further attested to the value of this cultural immersion in her own legal development; “I think that the ability to see issues from many different perspectives is an essential part of being a great lawyer. Uprooting to an entirely new culture is probably one of the best ways to enhance that ability. Already I can feel myself approaching legal issues with a new angle, one informed by a vastly different legal history and cultural approach.”
A group of law students enjoying an aperitivo with Professor Ken Jacobsen at the Hassler Hotel near the famous Spanish Steps in Rome.
Despite the program’s professional and educational advantages, students expressed an overwhelming fondness for the history, art, and culinary richness of Rome. In awe of the slower-paced environment and the hospitable Italian people, Julianna Hunt (a 2L Temple student) reflected on the cultural adjustment; “I had trouble adapting to life in Rome at first. However, after initial jitters and uncertainty faded away, I realized how much I loved being thrust into a completely new culture. The semester abroad helped me realize my desire to pursue international travel in the future for study and for my future career.”
Irrespective of each student’s adjustment to daily life in Rome, one thing is for certain—this experience offered students a chance to learn valuable personal and life lessons. Kennan Carlin alluded to this manifestation when mentioning, “I think this trip showed me how I can survive on my own pretty much anywhere and how I can handle different situations and interact with people from all over the world with different backgrounds and experiences.”
Outside the classroom, the class’s favorite excursions include a field trip to the towns of Todi and Titignano—where students enjoyed a 7-course meal of endless, Italian delicacies—and the class trip to Naples, upon which students subsequently enjoyed a long weekend along the Amalfi Coast, visiting the ruins of Pompeii, or voyaging to the island of Capri.
Students enjoying the Italian countryside followed by an exquisite 7-course meal at Castello de Titignano in the small town of Orvieto during the class favorite field trip.
Learn more about Temple Law’s study abroad options here.
